Trust launched in memory of campaigner

THE memory of one of Manchester's foremost anti-racism campaigners has been honoured with the launch of an educational trust. Former Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Louise Da-Cocodia, of Levenshulme, was well-known as a passionate fighter for social justice when she died at the age of 73 earlier this year.

THE memory of one of Manchester's foremost anti-racism campaigners has been honoured with the launch of an educational trust.

Former Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Louise Da-Cocodia, of Levenshulme, was well-known as a passionate fighter for social justice when she died at the age of 73 earlier this year.

Now, the Louise Da-Cododia Education Trust is to continue the good work she did in the community by helping Afro-Caribbean children reach for the top.

The trust will help fund a Saturday school which provides extra support to over hundred youngsters at the Windrush Centre in Moss Side. Organisers also hope to establish an award that will inspire local children to excel.

Diane Watt, organiser, told the MEN: "The launch of the trust is a way of acknowledging the work Louise Da-Cocodia did in the community throughout her life, and of forming partnerships with universities, colleges and schools.

"The trust will support the Saturday supplementary school and we plan on working with parents, in particular those who are considered hard to reach, those who feel marginalised by the system."

Louise Da-Cocodia moved to Britain from Jamaica in the late fifties and spent most of her life in Manchester, where she was a justice of the peace for 14 years, a non-executive member of Manchester Health Authority and a member of the Hytner Tribunal, set up to look into the causes of the Moss Side riots.

An advisor on the Moss Side and Hulme Task Force, she was also a member of the General Synod of the Church of England and a lay canon.

She helped kick-start voluntary organisations and business programmes for inner city residents, including Cariocca Enterprises, which has two business parks for independent ventures in Ardwick and Miles Platting. Mrs Da-Cocodia's years of service were rewarded with an MBE and an honorary MA from University of Manchester.